Oil paintings are a classic way to decorate a home or work environment. There are many artists producing a wide variety of different types of oil paintings. Among these, you will surely be able to find an oil painting suitable for your home or office. Esther Ritz, an artist who focuses on Dallas contemporary oil painting, produces abstract works of art in almost every color scheme. Two of her Dallas contemporary oil paintings are on permanent display in the Mercantile Place, an upscale residential apartment in downtown Dallas.
Many people who buy their first oil painting aren’t sure what is involved in caring for it. Protecting your investment isn’t that difficult once you know what to do, and more importantly, what not to do. When transporting the painting, make sure to lay it flat, cover the front and back of the painting with thick cardboard, and then wrap the entire painting in bubble wrap or Styrofoam. Unwrap the painting as soon as possible to avoid moisture buildup that will damage the painting. Once you have it home, be sure not to lean the canvas on anything pointed as doing this will leave a permanent indentation in your painting. When hanging the oil painting, remember that direct sunlight will tend to fade a painting over time. Also take into consideration the fact that paintings are affected by temperature extremes, either too hot or too cold, and by humidity.
Over time, oil paintings can collect dust or yellow. Generally speaking, it is best to get expensive oil paintings professionally cleaned. If, however, the painting is not too costly and you feel daring, the following is an explanation of what is involved in the cleaning of oil paintings. First take a soft brush, such as a baby’s toothbrush (never used, of course), and brush the accumulated dust away. Always begin in an inconspicuous corner and make sure no paint is removed as you brush. If the paint looks flaky in some places, it would be best to let an expert clean your painting. If paint is removed, the painting will be damaged. For some paintings, this gentle brushing will be enough to bring back their original color. If the painting still looks dull, there are several other things you can do. Look at the oil painting carefully. If it is yellowed and you know it is an older painting, there is likely varnish on the painting that has gotten too old. To remove old varnish, use a wooden Q-tip dipped in varnish remover. Cleaning should be done with a rolling motion of the Q-tip. Again, test in a corner to start. If the painting has not yellowed and you do not see a shiny layer on the top of the painting, your painting likely has no varnish on it. For these paintings, it is actually possible to wash the painting with dish soap and water. Washing must be done very carefully to ensure that no paint is removed and that the painting doesn’t get too wet. A clean, damp cotton cloth should be used and applied with a dapping motion. If you feel nervous about cleaning your oil painting, leave the job to a professional.
Following these general guidelines will ensure that you will be able to enjoy your original oil painting for many, many years to come.